Choosing a lightweight lens often means trading off build quality and image quality for portability. But for those who need something compact and capable, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 XF offers a lot.
Coming to you from Wes Perry, this detailed video review covers the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 XF and its place in the APS-C lens lineup. Perry starts by breaking down the build quality. This lens is part of Viltrox’s new Air series, which emphasizes lightweight, compact construction. It’s a plastic build, which makes it portable but gives it a somewhat flimsy feel. For those who prioritize weight over durability, this design can be a plus, especially if you often use gimbals or need something small for travel.
Perry then touches on how this lens handles. It’s extremely lightweight, making it well-balanced on APS-C cameras. While it lacks manual switches or an aperture ring, the compact size and minimal design make it easy to carry around. One standout feature is the larger-than-expected image circle. You get less vignetting when cropping, and it’s even usable on full-frame cameras with some cropping, though you’ll notice a drop in quality. This flexibility gives you more framing options, which can be useful in different shooting scenarios.
When it comes to image quality, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 XF delivers sharpness that exceeds expectations for an APS-C lens. Perry notes that while it’s not quite at the level of top-tier lenses, it performs very well in most situations. It handles chromatic aberration decently and produces smooth bokeh, especially at the center of the frame. However, the bokeh can get a bit messy as you move towards the edges, particularly if you push the crop. Sunstars and flare are average, but they’re not dealbreakers unless you’re specifically looking for those effects.
Autofocus is where this lens starts to show some limitations. Perry highlights that the lens works well in good lighting conditions, with fast and accurate focusing across the frame. But in low-light or backlit situations, it struggles more than expected. There’s a noticeable drop in reliability, and Perry mentions losing more shots than he’d like in these scenarios. If you’re primarily shooting in challenging conditions, this could become a frustrating issue.
As far as value goes, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 XF is in a competitive space with many options. At $180, it’s reasonably priced, but it’s not the cheapest APS-C lens in the market. Other options offer different trade-offs, making this lens a good choice if you prioritize size and portability over absolute sharpness or build quality. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Perry.
